U3A DAY
A Grand Day Out
Wednesday 21st September 12.00 noon until 4.00pm
Chester House Estate, Off the A45, NN8 2DH
The day was very successful and well attended with an estimated 600 people coming to enjoy the programme of events. The Opening ceremony was conducted by Councillor Helen Howell and Jean Hogg , the Regional Trustee. Our thanks to them for coming and the kind words spoken.
The Threshing Barn held displays from seven u3as which demonstrated the range of activities organised by members.
There were also musical performances from three other u3as and a Tai Chi demonstration.
Chester House was an excellent venue and the staff could not have been more helpful. The ARC (Archaeological Resource Centre) was kept busy with a constant stream of members wanting to learn more about the artefacts and the role of the centre. The museum was also a source of information.
There are some amazing walks around the estate which give wonderful views of the Nene Valley. The new bridge being installed will allow walkers to reach the estate from the north bank of the river.
There are also new moorings for boats travelling along the River Nene.
The day had a lovely atmosphere with an excellent opportunity for different u3as to meet an exchange information . It certainly gave everyone the chance to “ Learn, Laugh and Live”.
Scroll to the bottom of this page for a link to the YouTube video about the day.
NORTHANTS NETWORK 'Mile a Member' Walking Challenge
The highlight of the day was the culmination of the Mile a Member Challenge. All 13 of the Northamptonshire u3as took part and the members walked a total of 24199 miles!
The final section was walked up the main avenue of Chester House and was a lovely celebration of our active u3as.
This whole challenge has inspired and generated huge interest not just with Northamptonshire u3as, but from our National office and u3as across the UK. It is hoped that Tony Mayes, whose idea it was, will be interviewed for broadcast on u3a Radio, and both BBC Look East and ITV Anglia have shown interest in receiving film for their evening news.
‘The undoubted success of this challenge is a wonderful reflection of the effort put in by our u3a members. Let’s keep going, keep active and keep walking.’
Tony Mayes
Programme of Events
12.00 noon | Official Opening |
12.00 - 4.00pm | Threshing Barn open to visitors with displays from all participating u3as |
12.45 – 1.00pm | Wellingborough Tai Chi |
1.00 pm – 2.00 pm | Wellingborough Ukulele Groups |
2.00 pm – 2.45 pm | Completion of Mile-a-Member Challenge in front of Chester House |
2.45 pm – 3.30 pm | Thrapston Making Music Group |
3.30 – 4.00 pm | Higham & Rushden Singing for Fun Group |
Throughout the Day | Tours of Chester House site and Archaeological Resource Centre. |
u3a day 21 September 2022